For short, encyclopedia-style overview to Java the language and Object Oriented programing, see Wikipedia: Java (programming language), Object-oriented programming.
For a functional understanding of Objected Oriented programing, see: What are OOP's Jargons ＆ Complexities?.
The primary reference for Java is the so-called Java API.
Java™ 2 Platform Standard Edition 5.0 API Specification (2004) By Sun Microsystems. @ java.sun.com…
This reference is used by all Java programers, old and new. Take some time to familiarize yourself with it. The Java lang is categorized into Packages, and each package has classes, and each class has methods and variables.
As a beginner, you should look at the “java.lang” package. Be sure to click on the Tree at top to get a tree view of the Java class hierarchy.
The official Java tutorial is:
Trail: Learning the Java Language: Table of Contents (2011) By Oracle. @ java.sun.com…
I do not recommend this tutorial.
This tutorial tries to explain Object Oriented Programing to beginning programers, with some “software engineering” perspective. The exposition is also high-level and overview in style. It does not seem to be written by a practicing programer. Overall, i find this tutorial vague and confusing, and does not teach concretely how to start to write code in the Java. (I've read it about 3 times in different years since 1998).
The useful part of this tutorial is the sections specialized for various programing tasks. For example, the GUI programing, database, networking, internationalization… etc. These are about the only tutorial that exist on these topics, not available in third-party books. (except books dedicated to particular specialization) The index for these specialized topics is at: Source java.sun.com.
For experienced Java programers or if you knew several languages, the Java Language Spec provides info on Java technicalities:
The Java Language Specification, Third Edition (2005) By Sun Microsystems. @ java.sun.com…
This spec is useful for reference, especially for language researchers.
My friend Professor David J Eck has written a very popular Java Text book:
Introduction to Programming Using Java, Sixth Edition, Version 6.0 By David J Eck. @ math.hws.edu…
You might find his tutorial useful. It is more scholarly and up-to-date than mine.
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